Strafford County official take their oaths; ready to work

DOVER — With right hands raised, eight Strafford County officials were sworn into office on Wednesday marking the start of new positions and terms.

Judge John Lewis presided over the ceremony asking each person, some familiar faces and some new, to state their individual names and titles as they took oaths of office and signed those oaths before him.

Officials swore to carry out their duties “respecting and honoring our constitutions,” both of the state and the country, and to bear their allegiance to both entities as well.

The second oath requested all officials “faithfully and impartially discharge and perform their duties.”

One by one, the following people became or renewed their place in Strafford County operations:

New to the position of commissioner, though not to the county, former Registrar of Deeds Lessard said he was looking forward to working with all department heads moving forward.

“I think I bring an interesting perspective,” he said as a former department head himself.

Lessard said during his time in the deeds registry, he’s been able to observe how county government works, something that perhaps commissioners don’t get to witness on a day-to-day basis, he said.

Already taking current commissioners up on their invitations to attend meetings pertaining to the county budget, Lessard said one of his goals will be helping them to bring the 2013 budget in at a low cost and under specific tax caps.

“Im so proud of my father and his reputation everywhere in the state. If I could buy him a $5 million house, I would,” Lessard’s son, Michael Lessard, told a Foster’s reporter before the ceremony.

After signing their oaths, each person called friends and family to the podium to share the moment together. In addition to his family, Lessard also called Earle Goodwin, of Dover, a dedicated member of the community, former state representative and who in 2007 was recognized by Gov. John Lynch for his efforts and volunteerism.

DuBois began spending time getting acquainted with the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) about a month ago, he said, getting reconnected with the profession and getting to know SCSO staff.

Showing him support during the swearing-in ceremony, Dover Police Chief Tony Colarusso and Rochester Police Chief Mike Allen were in attendance. DuBois said their support meant a lot to him.

“It’s been going really well,” he said of the time he’s spent in the office so far.

His number one goal right now is “getting a thorough understanding of this operation,” he said and added that he’s enjoyed being able to get to know employees there over the last month or so.

“It makes the transition easier,” he said and acknowledged that a change in leadership can be challenging.

DuBois said he believes each of the different facets of the SCSO are already covered well and run smoothly and he intends to continue that in the future.